Cell sorting apparatus and method

Abstract

Apparatus and method for sorting cells is provided in which two or more cells are delivered along a flow path, the two or more cells including a first type of cells having a first mechanical stiffness and at least a second type of cells having a second mechanical stiffness different from the first mechanical stiffness. A reflection surface is provided across the flow path at an oblique angle relative to the flow path and configured to reflect the cells at different reflection angles relative to the flow path dependent on the mechanical stiffness of the cells.

1 . Apparatus for sorting cells, comprising:
 a cell delivery device configured to deliver two or more cell types along a flow path, wherein each cell type of the two or more cell types comprises a different mechanical stiffness and   a base having a flat reflection surface that lies in a single reflection surface plane at an impact angle, wherein the reflection surface is configured to contact the flow path and differentially reflect the two or more cell types based on the mechanical stiffness; and   two or more collection area positioned to receive the two or more cell types, wherein each cell type of the two or more cell types is separately collected based on the angle of reflection from the reflection surface   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the two or more cell types are stem cells. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the stem cells comprise undifferentiated stem cells differentiated stem cells. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the two or more cell types are delivered in fluid droplets. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the two or more collection areas further comprise a first collection area conduit and a second collection area conduit. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the first collection area conduit and the second collection area conduit are separated by a wedge. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the wedge apex angle is configured to substantially separate different cell types based on the angle of reflection from the reflection surface. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the wedge apex angle is from 1 to 20 degrees. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the wedge apex angle is about 3 degree. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the reflection surface is a substantially solid surface. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the impact angle of the reflection surface is from 40 to 50 degrees relative to the flow path. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the reflection surface is movable relative to the flow path. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the two or more collection areas are moveable. 
     
     
         16 . A method of sorting cells, comprising:
 directing a flow path comprised of two or more cell types to contact a flat reflection surface that lies in a single reflection surface plane at an impact angle, wherein each cell type of the two or more cell types comprises a different mechanical stiffness, and wherein the mechanical stiffness is proportional to a reflection angle;   separating the two or more cell types based on the mechanical stiffness and the reflection angle; and   collecting the two or more cell types.   
     
     
         17 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the separating further comprises a separating element having an apex and an apex angle. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein apex angle is from 1 to 20 degrees. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein apex angle is about 3 degrees. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the reflection surface is a substantially solid surface. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the impact angle of the reflection surface is from 40 to 50 degrees relative to the flow path. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the cells are stem cells.